1901 REAR Steer tandem.

[panelman]

Well on the heels of the build off, I decided to pull the tandem out of the shed rafters and get started on it. Before last night I hadn't done anything to it since I picked it up last October and it may take until next October to complete. This build will not be like Stock Isn't was but more stockish unless I get the bug for it.
The frame has some issues two busted welds on the ladies half and a busted lug in the center. It has also been painted multiple times none of which were any good. I started to tear it down last night and finally found a date code on it. It was on the front set of handle bars and mark Pat. 1901 so I'm going with 1901 as the date of prod. Im looking over each piece very carefully for any more date help. I was hoping the rear set of bars would also have a date, but they are completely different mounting style. The shape is the same though and I believe they are original to the bike. It also has 2 different sizes of skip tooth block chain, the front is 1 inch by 3/16 and the rear chain is 1 inch by 1/4. I didnt really plan on using the original block chains but now I guess I will have to unless I can find some 1/4 inch wide chain.

Rear handle bar mounting.

Front BB

Current Progress

 

[supergoob]

So the build name here is.... Stock Is? Never seen a rear steer tandem, i love it!! I bet the rear rider can really mess with the front rider!!

 

[aratman]

I'd name it "Back Seat Driver"

 

[panelman]

I'd name it "Back Seat Driver"

Thats a good one.

Started looking into chains for it, not looking good. They are Really Pricey will have to save up some cash for them. It takes 2 different widths of skip tooth chain. Not going to stop on everything else though. Maybe do some more disassembly tomorrow evening. Start cleaning up some parts here soon as well.

 

[LukeTheJoker]

Wow! What a cool bike! It looks to me like the driver and stoker can steer? That is cool!
I bet there will be some more unusual challenges to be found yet, but so worth it when it is done!!!

Luke.

 

[bruce]

Good luck.

The rear steers are pretty cool, fun to ride sitting on the back without a rider in the front too. Mine is a '33 Colson so much newer than yours and just takes a standard skip tooth chain.

 

[junknutz1975]

Red with Gold leaf? Like an old Hook & ladder? 8)

 

[panelman]

That would look really cool. Have to come up with something that really pops! Want to use brown seats, possibly cream/white tires. Other than that nothing else is really decided just going to see where it takes me.

 

[noodlenoggin]

There's a rear-steer tandem on display in one of the "welcome centers" on the expressway in Michigan. I snapped a couple of pics a couple of years ago. Dunno if they'll help you out, but here they are. Looks like the rear steer tube is attached to the steer rods (?) different from yours.


Cool Tandem Bike by sunliner500, on Flickr


Cool Tandem Bike Detail by sunliner500, on Flickr


Cool Tandem Bike Detail by sunliner500, on Flickr

 

[Walker]

Block chain is like GOLD! my Dayton tandem has block chain, hope they never go bad..